United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Parmelee, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Child Abuse.
Charlee Spotted Tail, age 21, was indicted on October 12, 2016. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 22, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years in custody and/or a $30,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about March 11, 2016, Spotted Tail, abused, exposed, tortured, tormented, and cruelly punished a child who had not attained the age of seven years old.
The charge is merely an accusation and Spotted Tail is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Spotted Tail was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.